Robert M. Butler
April 6, 1934 – March 7, 2026
Robert MacNaughton Butler, age 91, of Popham Beach, Maine, passed away on March 7, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 6, 1934, in Waltham, Massachusetts, Robert was the only child of Ralph and Rachel MacNaughton Butler. He was raised during the Great Depression/World War II era, and he spent much of his youth working on a local farm. His early years instilled in him a strong work ethic, resilience, and a steady sense of purpose that remained throughout his life.
He graduated from Waltham High School before attending Northeastern University, where he studied engineering and graduated with the Class of 1957. Robert built a distinguished career as a nuclear engineer, known for his sharp mind, lifelong curiosity, and deep commitment to learning. He worked for Boston Edison and later Arizona Public Service, dedicating many years to the field before retiring at the age of 51. In retirement, he returned to the place he loved most, Popham Beach, Maine, where he embraced the quiet joy of coastal life.
He married his beloved wife, Gail Elizabeth MacQuarrie Butler, on August 21, 1965, at Popham Chapel. Together, they built a life rooted in devotion, partnership, and family, sharing more than sixty years of marriage. They raised four children while making homes in Wayland, MA, and Litchfield Park, AZ, and spending cherished summers at Popham Beach, Maine. Through every season of life, they remained steadfast in their support and love for one another, including during the profound loss of their son, Mark, in 2022. Their marriage stood as a lasting example of love, loyalty, and enduring commitment.
Beyond his career, he found great joy in a wide range of pursuits, including hockey (both as a player and coach), sailing, painting, photography, genealogy, and golfing in Hilton Head. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family, especially his eight grandchildren, who brought him immense pride and happiness. He will be remembered as a steady and guiding presence by all who knew him. His strength of character, perseverance, and thoughtful approach to life left a lasting impact on his family and friends. He will be deeply and forever missed by those who loved him.
He was lovingly remembered by his wife, Gail, who survived him by 33 days; his children, Mark (predeceased) (Lori), Karen; Susan (Arthur), and Stephen (Abigail); and his grandchildren, Joshua, Hannah (fiancé Devon), Grace, Andrew (fiancée Allie), Jacob (Sara), Zachary, Robert, and Brigid; sister-in-law Donna MacQuarrie, brothers-in-law Glen MacQuarrie (Donna Meredith), Lanny MacQuarrie (Susan) and six nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his son Mark, his son-in-law Rick Madden, sister-in-law Lynne MacQuarrie and brother-in-law Donald MacQuarrie.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation at MCSF.org. Dad deeply valued education and was immensely proud of Mark’s service as a Marine. This gift carries forward his love for family, his pride in service, and his belief in the power of education.
A joint Celebration of Life for Gail and Robert will be held at the Popham Chapel on June 6, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.